[MR2] Power steering & Power brakes - connection or coincidence?

[telek2 at att.net]

Something to consider.  Since I drive a MkI with no power steering,
I have no first hand knowledge.

On my Camry, power steering cuts out once you reach a certain speed.
There's a bypass switch on the power steering unit.  Check the connections.
Also, the power steering could/should be flushed every so often.  I've
only done it once on the Camry and that was because a friend added engine
oil to the PS pump.  The stuff I got out was pretty gross.

I have no idea if engine vacuum plays a part in the decision to bypass
the PS.

With the brakes I'd check vacuum and the booster.  On a power brake system
the pedal will typically sink an inch or so when vacuum is applied.  Shut
off the engine and work the brake a few times.  When the vacuum reservoir
empties, you'll feel a difference.  See if that correlates to what you
feel when you have the symptoms.

Also, master cylinders can bypass.  Which means fluid leaks past the
seal.  Haven't had the problem with MR2 brakes, but my clutch master did a good
number on me.  The seal folded back on itself.  Sometimes you had clutch,
sometimes not.

I DID have the problem with a 914's brakes.  Brake goes right to the floor.
If you try again, it would work.  Pretty scary.